Vacaville: Police find baby alligator during marijuana arrest

VACAVILLE -- Vacaville police encountered a baby alligator when they searched the home of a Fairfield couple suspected of possessing marijuana for sale.

The married couple, Lori Riley, 34, and William Riley, 37, were seen conducting a transaction in Vacaville that police believed involved marijuana, but police did not have a warrant to search their car.

The couple drove away but the Vacaville Narcotics Enforcement team and Crime Suppression Team got a warrant and stopped the couple's car on a freeway in Modesto on Jan. 31, police said.

The Rileys had 50 pounds of processed marijuana with a street value of $250,000 and a handgun in their possession when they were arrested, Sgt. Rick Elm said.

The couple was taken back to their Fairfield home where a search was conducted, Elm said.

Officers found additional marijuana, seven firearms, including a .50-caliber bolt-action rifle, more than $29,000 in cash and a 3-foot long baby alligator, Elm said. The alligator was turned over to Solano County Humane Services.